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Topics for Conversations With Friends

By Kathryn Rateliff Barr

Talk to your friends about important subjects such as feelings and beliefs.

You and your friends talk about many different topics during the day, such as school, friends, activities and interests. You can positively influence your peers through your conversations, according to the Teen Advisors program. Your conversation could touch a friend who feels alone and overwhelmed by concerns or influence peers to make better choices.

Many Feelings to Process

There are many things going on in your life as a teen or young adult. You face many decisions that will influence the rest of your life. Talk to your peers about your feelings, suggests the KidsHealth website. Admitting that you are afraid or concerned about problems at home, how you feel about your body or what you will do if you can’t find a job could strike a cord with another friend. Sharing your feelings could make you feel better and let you know you are not alone. You can also share solutions you have tried that worked for you. Other conversations could include what makes you happy, what you do when siblings or parents frustrate you and what to do when you like someone and they don’t like you back.

The School Factor

You might spend many hours each week engaged in academics, both in the classroom and doing homework. You and your friends can share information about which teacher is the better instructor for a specific class or who to talk to when you have a problem. You could tell younger classmates about the value of specific study habits and how to deal with peer pressure from fellow students. Share insights you have about lessons learned during your academic career and the best experiences you had at school.

What We Believe

During your adolescent and young adult years you might evaluate the values presented by parents, teachers, religious leaders and community officials to determine beliefs that ring true. Talk with your friends about what you believe about patriotism, spirituality and responsibility to your community. Discuss how to know what is right for you or how to choose between various beliefs. Compare what you believe and why you believe it with other members in your circle. If you have struggled with knowing who you would vote for or what type of person makes the best leader, share those thoughts with your friends.

Responsible Behaviors

The world is full of temptations and many people face pressure from their peers to engage in unsafe behaviors. Talk about responsible behaviors with your friends, such as not drinking or using drugs. Discuss why it’s harder to do the right thing when you are with your friends and they are choosing risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, stealing, joining a gang or driving a car in an unsafe manner. Talk about creating a buddy system that makes it easier to do the right thing.

Resources

About the Author

Rev. Kathryn Rateliff Barr has taught birth, parenting, vaccinations and alternative medicine classes since 1994. She is a pastoral family counselor and has parented birth, step, adopted and foster children. She holds bachelor's degrees in English and history from Centenary College of Louisiana. Studies include midwifery, naturopathy and other alternative therapies.